Call Bears linebacker Everett a leader, not a senior

Dakota Everett isn't all that fond of the word 'senior.' The standout Pleasant Valley linebacker dislikes it so much that it can't be found in the Bears' weight room. The standout Pleasant Valley linebacker dislikes it so much that it can't be found in the Bears' weight room.

BRODHEADSVILLE — Dakota Everett isn't all that fond of the word 'senior.'

The standout Pleasant Valley linebacker dislikes it so much that it can't be found in the Bears' weight room.

"There was something in the weight room that said 'seniors' and I crossed it out and put, 'the older kids on the playground,'" said Everett, a two-time Pocono Record All-Area first-team pick. "I just don't like the word. I'd love to stay in high school forever. I love it and football here is my life. I've been playing it for forever."

And playing it well.

Everett broke into the Bears' starting lineup as a sophomore and made his presence felt immediately. He was an All-Mountain Valley Conference second-team pick after making 58 tackles and forcing two fumbles.

He got better last season, earning All-MVC first-team honors after leading the Bears in tackles (112), solo stops (50) and assists (62). He also had six tackles for loss, two passes defended, a fumble recovery and half a sack.

"He's become such a physical player, both in the weight room and on the field," PV coach Jim Terwilliger said. "He's been a hard-working guy and we liked him from Day 1. He's gotten a lot of playing time and has a lot of potential.

"He's very easy to coach and he's been the mainstay of our defense for the past two years."

In the past, Everett could just go out and play and do his job, but now that he's an upperclassman his teammates are looking at him to lead.

And even though he doesn't like to be called a senior, Everett has provided leadership on and off the field for Pleasant Valley.

"He said he doesn't like to use the word 'senior' because it makes him feel old, but he has really embraced the leadership role," Terwilliger said. "He's done a great job of putting himself in position to be a leader. He can be vocal, but he's more of a guy who does it by example.

"He's never been that type of guy, though, who says, 'hey, I'm a senior, I'm a leader,' but instead more by example and performance and he's done a tremendous job with it."

Everett may be in the spotlight more this fall.

Toward the end of 2011, he got some playing time on offense at tight end. He caught six passes for 75 yards, but showed good hands and the ability to get behind the defense. With a full offseason working with the offense, Everett feels more comfortable with his new role.

"Last year was my first time playing at tight end and it was a lot of fun," Everett said. "I'm a lot more comfortable. Last year I knew the stuff, but once you're on the field in a game situation then you really see how much you know.

"Now it's come a lot easier and I'm not as tense, but more relaxed."

Terwilliger doesn't run an offense that features the tight end much, but that doesn't mean Everett won't see many passes coming his way.

The fourth-year coach is determined to find a way to make good use of his talented tight end.

"If I was a two-back, one-tight end offensive oriented guy he'd be the best tight end around," Terwilliger said. "Fitting him into our offense is something that I have to do because he's such a good offensive player. We're a base spread offense and this is the first, real legitimate tight end we've had.

"He's got good hands and knows all his stuff so we'll get him in there."